Question1995 Jeep wrangler.
Repairs: tires, slightly larger than stock, fuel line, battery, dealer tune up.
Complaint: My jeep pings under acceleration and when you are on a grade going at a steady throtle setting as the jeep looses momentum and slows. I have had it in the shop but I do not think the guys know much more about cars than I do. They said that they tuned it up which was new plugs, some chemical to remove carbon in the combustion chamber, and wipping out and "soot" in the intake. It did not fix the ping and they suggested that I use high test gas. I told them the jeep was susposed to run on regular and that I had tried high test gas and it did not help. They said that they advanced the timing but that if they advanced it anymore the jeep would start to loose gas milage. I gave up on them after 500 bucks and just drive it with the irritating ping.
Now it is time to fix it or trade it. I really like this jeep. Can you assist me to track down the problem. I quit working on cars when they still had points and condensers. As for tools I have a compression guage, a vacuum guage, and a timing light. I suspect that there is a part that is sending faulty info to the motor (computer) about the vacuum or timing but I just do not know what all the parts do and how they interact with each other. I need some basic info how to do a detailed diagnostic of all systems that is a bit more detailed than "change the plugs". I suspect my problem is a minor problem that is just difficult to find and the dealership mechanics are trained to change parts not diagnose. Can you assist with info or a suggestion for a book or website where I can find info to solve my problem?
My jeep has 70,000 miles on it. It still needs an oil change before it needs a quart of oil but there is some valve noise. I plan on replacing belts, hoses, all fluids, front disk (they are cracked), shocks. My off road is only fields and dirt roads so there is no heavy duty suspension wear but I want to install a set of those silicone bushings all the way around. Can you think of anything else I need to do to keep my jeep reliable?
I also have a 1951 Willis Overland Jeep with 17,000 origional miles on it------but that is another story.
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Marshall
PS how do you research previous questions on a topic that has more than one page of links here on expert?
AnswerMarshall,
Sounds like you need to join our 4x4 club with your toys. Anyway, as far as the shop changing the timing, I would suspect that this is not true, since the timing on your model is controlled by a computer. There are some items that can cause pinging, such as a bad oxygen sensor. These are located in the exhaust system just below the manifold. They are easily changed, as they, simply screw out, similar to a spark plug. There are other sensors that can alter the timing, and cause this problem, also. The problem should be able to be traced with a good electronic diagnostic, which can be done by most good shops. It's not uncommon for the motor to ping under a heavy load while lugging the engine. You can purchase a manufacturer's shop manual for the Jeep, but they are quite expensive, normally costing, around $100. A Chilton's or a Hayne's manual can be purchased at most auto parts stores for $20, and they have a lot of information on basic trouble shooting, and repairs. Another thing you might try, is to see if you can locate a local 4x4, or Jeep club, and see if they can recommend a reputable shop.
If you are getting some noise from the engine, check all the exhaust manifold bolts/studs. They have a habit of breaking, which causes a slight exhaust leak. This can cause some noise, and will give the oxygen sensor false readings, which will cause the computer to give a bad air/gas mixture. I had the rear exhaust manifold stud on my Jeep break 3 times, and the dealership repaired it the first 2 times under a recall. They refused to repair it the 3rd time, so I replaced the cast manifold with a Borla header, and this seemed to fix the problem.
It sounds like you have everything under control to keep the Jeep in good running condition.
I'm not sure about researching previous questions, but I will try to find out how it can be done.
Carl
PS Hang onto that Willys.
Marshall,
Just went into http://www.allexperts.com site, and checked out how to find previous questions.
Once you get to the site that lists the experts, go to the bottom of that page, before you pick an expert, and check out "Related Links". In this section, there is a location you can click on called "Previous asked questions".
Carl
